SECTOR 3

information and national guidance said: “The research report categorises UBC
as pro-government. If you are not pro-government, are you against it? There is
no such thing as independent media. UBC is autonomous but it is a government
parastatal that must defend the national interest.”
Nevertheless, UBC journalists have been trying to be independent in their
coverage although they treat political matters with caution. Some human rights
groups like the Foundation for Human Rights Initiative have discussed rights
abuses by state authorities on UBC outlets. During the September 2009 riots,
however, UBC TV was compelled to drop footage showing the security services
clobbering and shooting at rioters in Kampala. So, while the law guarantees the
editorial independence of UBC, it is largely not practised.

Scores:
Individual scores:
1

Country does not meet indicator

2

Country meets only a few aspects of indicator.

3

Country meets some aspects of indicator

4

Country meets most aspects of indicator

5

Country meets all aspects of the indicator

Average score: 			

1.1

(2007: n/a)

3.7
The state/public broadcaster is adequately
funded in a manner that protects it from arbitrary
interference through its budget and from all commercial
pressure.
Analysis:

According to the UBC Act 2005, funding for UBC consists of grants from the
government; loans from the government, organisations or any person; revenue
generated in the discharge of its duties; donations; advertising revenue; and
TV licence fees. The licence fee was resisted by the public and cancelled by the
President during the campaign for the 2006 elections.

50

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER UGANDA 2010

Select target paragraph3